Accenture Women on Walls: Celebrating Munster’s Trailblazers at UCC

Accenture Women on Walls: A New Chapter in Munster’s Legacy

On a crisp November day in 2025, the halls of University College Cork (UCC) came alive with an extraordinary celebration. The unveiling of the Accenture Women on Walls portrait series marked more than an artistic achievement—it was a statement about visibility, recognition, and the enduring impact of women in Munster’s history.

Honoring Courage and Vision: The Women Behind the Portraits

The exhibit features 11 remarkable women with deep ties to Munster, each selected for their transformative contributions to society. Among them are Edna O’Brien, renowned author whose literary voice has resonated far beyond Irish borders; Nano Nagle, a pioneering educator and founder of the Presentation Sisters; Joanne O’Riordan, a disability rights activist whose advocacy has reshaped public perceptions; and others such as Brigid Carmody, Mary Crilly, Myra Cullinane, Evelyn Grant, Naomi Masheti, Patricia Sheahan, Caitríona Twomey, and Dola Twomey.

The selection process was itself a testament to community engagement, with over 600 nominations received in 2024. A panel comprised of UCC staff and student leaders carefully deliberated, ultimately choosing women whose lives exemplify courage, leadership, and a commitment to social justice.

Artistry and Collaboration: Bringing Women’s Stories to Canvas

The portraits, now gracing UCC’s Aula Maxima, were commissioned from four Irish-based artists—Gerry Davis, Vanessa Jones, Vera Klute, and Julianne Guinee—chosen through a competitive open call overseen by Business to Arts. Their work does more than capture likenesses; it brings out the spirit and story behind each face, inviting viewers to reflect on both the individual and the collective power of women’s achievement.

UCC president Professor John O’Halloran spoke at the unveiling, describing the university’s pride in honoring these trailblazers. “Each of these trailblazers has shaped our society with courage, conviction, and a vision for a more inclusive and just world,” he said. By situating these portraits at the heart of the campus, UCC not only commemorates the past but signals its commitment to fostering purpose, compassion, and courage in future leaders.

Accenture’s Commitment: Visibility, Diversity, and Inclusion

At the core of this initiative is Accenture Ireland, whose support made the exhibit possible. Michelle Cullen, Accenture Ireland’s managing director and inclusion and diversity lead, emphasized the broader mission: “This is about who we see, and who we celebrate, in our public institutions. Too often, women’s contributions go unseen and uncelebrated. These magnificent portraits of 11 remarkable Munster women help redress that imbalance.”

Accenture’s involvement reflects its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion—not just in the workplace, but in the cultural fabric of Irish society. By investing in visibility, the company helps challenge conventions and broaden the narrative about leadership and achievement.

A Living Legacy: Inspiring Generations to Come

For the students and visitors at UCC, the Women on Walls exhibit is more than a visual treat. It’s an invitation to explore the lives of women who broke barriers, challenged norms, and redefined what leadership can look like. The presence of these portraits on campus acts as a daily reminder that greatness can—and often does—emerge from those whose stories might otherwise be overlooked.

The initiative also highlights a broader movement across Ireland to address historical gaps in representation, particularly within public institutions and cultural spaces. By celebrating these women, UCC and Accenture signal a commitment to rewriting the narrative—one that is more inclusive, more accurate, and more inspiring.

Conclusion: Portraits of Progress and Possibility

The Accenture Women on Walls series at UCC stands as a powerful symbol of recognition and hope. It is a tribute to the women who have shaped Munster’s past and a beacon for those who will shape its future. As Professor O’Halloran noted, “By placing their portraits at the heart of our campus, we honour their remarkable legacy and reaffirm our commitment to inspiring future generations to lead with purpose, compassion, and courage.”

In a world where visibility often equals opportunity, the Women on Walls project is more than art—it’s activism. It’s a reminder that progress is made not only through policy and innovation but through the stories we choose to tell and the faces we choose to celebrate.

Analysis: The Accenture Women on Walls initiative at UCC does more than honor individual achievements—it actively reshapes the narrative around leadership, visibility, and inclusion in Ireland. By highlighting the stories of Munster’s trailblazing women, it challenges systemic gaps in representation and sets a precedent for other institutions. This project demonstrates how corporate support, artistic collaboration, and academic commitment can converge to inspire real cultural change.